Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Atlanta is 54% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,617/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 22%
$81,938/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 35%
$420,600 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 55%
$1,695/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
499,287
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.07%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $28,535/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Allentown — common questions

Is Atlanta or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Allentown?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Allentown?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $28,535/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Pennsylvania?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Allentown details →

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